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Academic Advising Mission

Advising Mission, April 2004

Prepared by Advising Council Mission Subcommittee Members:

Joella DeVillier (Chair), Sam Eggert, and Hailey Wolcott

Eastern Oregon University recognizes academic advising to be a critical component of the educational experience of its undergraduate students. Students work individually in a collaborative spirit with academic advisors in order to define and implement sound educational plans that are consistent with their personal values, goals and career plans. While academic advising occurs most visibly in these individual relationships, a broad network (on-campus and statewide) of professionals, faculty, and staff exists in support of EOU’s overall advising mission. Academic advising is essential in guiding student inquiry through EOU’s high-quality liberal arts and professional programs, leading to responsible and reflective action in a diverse and interconnected world.

Advisor Goals and Responsibilities:

• Empower the student to devise coherent academic plans that are consonant with his/her life goals;

• Empower the student to determine and follow the necessary steps to achieve those goals;

• Empower the student to develop sound academic attitudes and practices that will enable the student to be an autonomous, self-regulated learner; and

• Empower the student to identify and use resources effectively and to challenge him/herself in constructive ways.

Student Goals and Responsibilities:

• Accept full ownership for all decisions; academic advisors will assist by presenting options.
• Make and keep appointments with your advisor when you need assistance,
• Arrive at appointments prepared with a sample schedule that includes courses for your major, minor, general education, etc,
• Listen to and consider your advisor’s suggestions – then make your own decision.

• Identify and clarify personal values, abilities, interests, and goals.
• Talk with your advisor and faculty members in fields you are interested in.
• Take a variety of courses.
• Visit Career Services and utilize their resources.
• Explore out-of-class opportunities such as internships, volunteer opportunities, Cornerstones, study abroad, student exchanges, etc.

• Take initiative to become knowledgeable of and adhere to institutional and departmental policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Review and understand the contents of the EOU General Catalog.
• Refer to your student handbook.
• Ask your advisor!
• Obtain and follow check-sheets for your major(s) and minor(s).
• Know the General Education requirements.

• Develop a sound academic attitude that results in understanding the value of your educational experience at EOU and approaching your learning with appropriate diligence and seriousness.
• Include academics as a top priority.
• Once you have decided upon a major, develop positive working relationships with faculty in your field of study and the appropriate School/Division academic advisor.
• If you are a recent high school graduate, understand that the university environment is different than the high school environment. Your advisor provides a different service than that of a high school counselor, functioning as a guide through your academic career.
• Understand the value of a liberal arts education, the interrelatedness of coursework and importance of an exposure to a broad range of subjects.